Nottingham Forest put in a performance to be proud of as their stunning FA Cup run came to an end at the quarter-final stage.
They bowed out to Liverpool 1-0 at the City Ground, thanks to Diogo Jota’s goal. But the Reds more than gave their opponents a game, holding their own against the visitors - and going so close to pulling off another giant-killing. With owner Evangelos Marinakis in attendance for the first time since March 2020, the hosts looked to get on the front foot early on. Liverpool looked dangerous when they broke forward, but Forest were positive in their play, too.
And the Reds did create some decent openings in a first 45 minutes played at a frantic pace. Ryan Yates had an effort deflected behind in the first quarter of an hour, while Joe Lolley cut inside from the right and had a go just before the half hour mark, driving the ball just wide.
Read more: Cooper's verdict on defeat to Liverpool
Read more: Jota calls Forest a 'great team'
At the other end of the pitch, Forest limited their opponents to very little. Joe Worrall made a terrific tackle to thwart Diogo Jota in the box. And then he mopped up after Ethan Horvath had pulled off a terrific save to deny Roberto Firmino when he went clean through.
It meant the teams were all-square at the break, with nothing to separate them. And plenty of things for head coach Steve Cooper to be pleased with. Horvath had to make a couple of big saves early in the second half. But it was the Reds who had the best chance to take the lead.
A quick break saw Brennan Johnson deliver a delicious cross, but Philip Zinckernagel fired wide. It proved costly as Liverpool immediately went down the other end and scored, with Jota finishing from close range - a goal that was given after a VAR check for a potential offside.
Forest argued they should have had a penalty in the closing minutes when Yates went down from a challenge with Alisson. But the appeals were waved away, while Yates had a header saved soon after.
What the managers said
Steve Cooper : “It was a narrow victory. The game was decided on a defining two minutes, where we had a really good chance and didn’t take it. And then they created one, and did,” Cooper said.
“They are brilliant. We saw it in the build-up, and we saw it in the game. That’s why they are the team they are.
“We didn’t have the ball as much as we would like or as much as we normally do. But on the whole, I thought we handled that pretty well. We just wanted to create moments that we had to take. And we did.
Jurgen Klopp: "Proper Cup match. I know they don't get anything for it, but a massive compliment for Steve Cooper and his team. They played a really good game," he said. "They fought and closed the gaps. We could and should have played better but they made it difficult. First half we should score the sitter - Bobby (Firmino), that's not like him not to square the ball.
"They didn't have a lot first half, they had moments, counter attacks and these things, but the game stayed open. They could have gone 1-0 up.
"The atmosphere was a massive boost for them, but we got through. I'm really happy with it. Diogo had a difficult chance to finish. It's an outstanding goal. He's a proper striker."
What the fans said
@AneilSingh10 : Proud.
@al3x_marshall : Gone toe to toe with arguably one of the best sides around and come out fighting. I’m happy with that
@_ambs17 : Proud of every single one of them
@alex_iskandar : Missed several chances that could have given us the lead including a late equaliser. Gave our all! Great cup run.
Up next
The Reds return to action after the international break on April 2 against Blackpool. Kick-off 12.30pm
